Chapter 8
“So, Ava, now that I’ve finally waited for you, how could I not cherish you?” Jameson’s words left me speechless.
I had never known that someone had been quietly in love with me all this time.
Jameson gently ruffled my hair, his touch tender. “I understand your worries, but don’t be afraid. There are people in this world who are truly sincere with you. Will you give me a chance?”
I looked into his earnest, unwavering eyes and felt a warmth spread through me. Without hesitation, I nodded.
I’ve never been the kind to betray someone’s sincerity. So, why should I be afraid?
That day, Jameson took me to make clay sculptures and share candied haws, something I’d wanted for so long. We spent the day doing things I loved but had
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never had the chance to try–hiking to watch the sunrise, setting off fireworks by the beach, and camping under the stars.
As we began preparing for our wedding, it felt like I was living in a dream.
One day, Jameson took me to see my wedding dress. He had ordered it six months in advance, specially tailored to my measurements, made from the satin material I loved. It was perfect.
I thought he must have learned about my preferences through my dad, but then a thought struck me–wait, I had only discussed the details of the wedding dress with Liam. How did he know?
He looked at me seriously, his expression soft yet knowing. “How about you think about it again?”
I stared at him, not quite understanding.
Sighing, he gave in with a smile. “Okay, fine, I secretly added you on social media. All your little thoughts were there for me to
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find.”
In that moment, I understood the depth of his love. I looked at the man in front of me.
-mature on the outside, but with a heart
that still held the innocence of a child. I
stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
I couldn’t help but wonder–how much pain must it have caused him to watch me. struggle with my feelings for someone else? How heartbreaking must it have been to see me care for someone who wasn’t
him?
He gently wiped away my tears, his voice a soft reassurance. “Baby, don‘ t cry. We‘ re together now, aren’t we? As long as it’s you, no matter how long it takes, it will always be worth it.”
After trying on my wedding dress, I posted the first picture of Jameson on my social. media. The comments came flooding in almost immediately.
[I heard you and Liam broke up a while.
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ago… I thought it was just a rumor, but I guess it’s true?]
[This one looks more reliable.]
When I saw Liam’s name again, it didn’t stir anything inside me. It felt as if a lifetime had passed since we were together. Whatever happened to him no longer concerned me.
That night, Jameson knelt before me, holding out a diamond ring and proposing with a heart full of sincerity. He spoke of his love for me over the years, of the patience he had shown, and how grateful he was that I had chosen him.
As he slid the ring onto my finger, tears welled up in my eyes. I took his hand in mine and whispered, “It’s because of you that Ava stands here now. I should be the
one thanking you.”
He smiled, pulling me into his embrace, kissing away my tears.
On our wedding day, an old friend from
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Oklahoma came to celebrate with us. “Ava, I never thought you’d choose marriage in
the end.”
I looked at Jameson, greeting guests outside, a smile lighting up my eyes. “As long as it’s the right person, it’s never too late.”
The old friend nodded, agreeing, “You‘ re right. The groom’s heart and eyes are completely devoted to you.”
Our eyes met, and we shared a quiet smile.
Soon, the wedding ceremony began. I linked arms with my father and walked
down the aisle. Jameson stood at the altar, a bouquet in his hand, gazing at me with eyes full of love and intensity.
